Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea says Mike Brown is determined to regain the England full-back jersey after putting in a man-of-the-match display in front of Stuart Lancaster at Franklin's Gardens.

Brown started the last two autumn internationals on the wing for England but was back in his familiar position for Harlequins and in soaking wet conditions was superb under the high ball.

He helped Harlequins win 19-8 and inflict on Northampton a fourth defeat in their last five home games as the Saints tumbled out of the Aviva Premiership's top four.

O'Shea said: "He liked being back at full-back. He wants to play full-back for England, but he will play anywhere for England, he would play at prop for England. He was outstanding for us today."

The Harlequins boss revealed Lancaster spoke with Brown and O'Shea ahead of their home Heineken Cup game against Zebre.

"He came over to watch the team run and we sat down and had a chat," said O'Shea.

"Browny wants to play full-back for England, and I always tell him my selection would be different, but as long as he is playing for England he doesn't give a damn.

"It is a fabulous position for England to be in with Browny, Alex Goode and Ben Foden, they are pretty rich in that position. Lancaster wants to see players putting their hand up for selection."